When I was 19, I went to get my first studio apartment. It was a cutesy little place for $600.00 a month. At the time, I had an entry-level job and that was all that was within my budget, considering I was planning on living solo and wanted to have some financial cushion for hard times. I met with the broker, and she was like “You’re a really nice girl, I see you have a job and can easily afford this place. Now, just fill out this, this and a disclosure for your credit report.” Uh…my what? Then she was pretty shocked and for some reason, and to this day, I still don’t know why, but she DIDN’T run my credit. I got the apartment.

My boyfriend then talked to me about the importance of good credit, and how you basically can’t get anything without it. He told me I should get a free credit report and start monitoring it regularly. I then, for the first time, when I was 19 years old ran my credit. Thankfully, I found nothing wrong with it! From that moment to this day, years later; I still view my credit report once a month.

Fast forward to now, I now have an even bigger and better apartment (that I DID have to run my credit to get!), major credit cards to keep building my credit ( I do plan on purchasing a house some day!), a car (they EVEN started running credit to get better rates for car insurance!) and a cell phone plan.

My advice is to be really aware of your credit. Whether you are living home with your parents, with your friends, or just haven’t had a reason to check your credit; I PROMISE one day you will and when you do, it will need to be good and if it isn’t you should at least know why so you can explain yourself. A good friend of mine recently had negative things on his credit report that wasn’t even accurate and he had to sort out right away; don’t let that happen to you!

You can check your credit by one of the links on the side or by checking freecreditscore.com!

Whether you’re thinking of refinancing your mortgage, purchasing a new home, or taking out a car loan, it’s especially crucial today to understand what affects your credit report — and what doesn’t. There are common misconceptions about credit reports, and believing in untruths can hurt you.

1 – Myth: I can boost my credit score by closing credit cards I don’t use.
Fact: Think twice before closing an account — especially if it’s a credit card you’ve had for several years. Your credit rating is determined in both the duration an account has been open and the balance in relation to the card’s limit, says Rodney Anderson, managing partner of Rodney Anderson Lending Services, a division of Supreme Lending, located in Plano, Texas. If you’re inclined to close your account, you’re much better off just sticking the card in a drawer — being sure to keep your account active, he says, by using it at least once every three months.

2 – Myth: Checking my credit report will lower my score.
Fact: A “hard credit pull” — the type of examination that’s made for those applying for a new credit card, say, or a mortgage — stays on a credit report for six months, and it will lower a credit score. But checking your own credit report, contrary to hurting your score, is “a great tool, especially when you’re making big-ticket purchases,” says Charles Harris, an executive at FreeCreditReport.com. “The higher your score, the more likely you may be able to negotiate lower interest rates, which gives you more control over your personal finances.”

3 – Myth: My age, race, gender, marital status, religion, income, or home address can affect my credit score.
Fact: Not true, says Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, author of Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. Federal law prohibits credit scoring from taking any of those factors into account.

4 – Myth: If I negotiate with my credit-card or mortgage company, my credit score will go down.
Fact: Not necessarily, says Spencer Sherman, author of The Cure for Money Madness and founder of financial advisors Abacus Wealth Partners. If you’re up-to-date with payments, then negotiating your credit-card or mortgage payments will not likely affect your score,” he says. To protect your score, he advises, try extending the term of the loan or negotiating a reduction in interest rate, rather than trying to get the principal reduced.

5 – Myth: I pay cash for everything and don’t buy on credit or use credit cards, so my credit score should be excellent.
Fact: Having no credit history, or never using credit, can actually hurt your score, Khalfani-Cox says. Card issuers tend to view customers with neither debt nor credit cards as higher-risk than those who have cards and who manage their debt responsibly. Credit-rating agencies like to see that you have a history of paying credit obligations on time.

6 – Myth: My $6 library-card fine couldn’t show up on my credit report.
Fact: Return your overdue books at once. Even miniscule library fines can lower a credit score by as much as 50 to 100 points, says Rich Rosso, a financial consultant for Charles Schwab & Co. Same with unpaid parking tickets and utility bills. If you pay up before your debt reaches a collection agency, you should be OK; your library probably posts its collection-agency policy online. “Every municipality appears to have various time frames for collection based on size of the debt and the length of time it’s been in arrears,” Rosso says. Cedar Rapids Public Library in Iowa, for example, will initiate a courtesy reminder three times after items are due. If fines are still not paid and books are not returned, then the borrower’s account may be turned over to a collection agency.

7 – Myth: If I pay off a collection account, my credit score will clear immediately.
Fact: Not so. “Paying off a collection account will not remove it from the credit report,” Rosso says. “It will remain for seven years.”

8 – Myth: As far as credit rating is concerned, all credit cards are the same, whether it’s a Visa, an American Express, or a card from a department store.
Fact: Stay away from store-brand credit cards. Approximately 10 percent of a person’s credit score is based on the institutions from which money is borrowed, says Anderson. Finance companies, which are often used by retailers that offer their own credit cards, are considered higher risk than banks. For example, Wal-Mart cards are backed by GE Money Bank and Ann Taylor credit cards are issued by the World Financial Network National Bank. “A prevalence of credit lines from finance companies could negatively affect your credit rating,” he says.

9 – Myth: “It’s OK if my card issuer lowers my credit limit a little bit — I never max out my cards. I keep my balance lower than 75 percent, so I should be fine.”
Fact: That’s wrong, Sherman says. “Most people stay just at the edge of their credit limits, but you want to stay well below your maximum available credit.” That’s because 30 percent of your credit score is dependent upon the percentage you are using of your total available credit. Aim to keep your balance within 25 percent to 35 percent of your credit limit.

10 – Myth: I don’t make enough money to have a good credit score.
Fact: While people with more money tend to have better scores, your income has no effect on your credit score, says Avinash Karnani, co-founder of justthrive.com, a personal-finance management site. “People who make more money are less likely to be borrowing above their limits and paying for things on credit, rather than using existing funds,” Karnani says. But anyone can improve his or her credit score by paying down debt, monitoring your credit report to track how often you’re applying for cards and loans, and making sure to keep your oldest credit card open so it remains in your credit history.

There is a fairly new cosmetic and skin care line that is just amazing! It’s called Motives by Loren Ridinger. I was lucky enough to have tried some wonderful products that I absolutely love and are a staple in my daily routine. With Motives, there is something for every skin tone, skin type and every taste. They have a wide and extensive variety of quality products. I’d say they’re up to par with Chanel and Dior, at a fraction of the cost! Who doesn’t love spending less and getting the same results?!

What I tried:

Photo Finish Pressed Powder in “Neutral”

This is a full coverage foundation that comes in a really beautiful compact equipped with a full-sized mirror and an sponge applicator for easy and quick application.

What Motives says:

“You can have picture-perfect skin in any light, from every angle and at any time of day. Let this powder float across the skin while providing outstanding full coverage. Designed to be worn as a foundation but can be worn over foundation for extra special coverage and a flawless finish leaving the skin with a natural radiant glow. This powder is designed for women of all skin types and all skin colors. Don’t worry about getting caught in a bad picture, look photo session ready any time of day with Motives Photo Finish Powders.”

What I say:

This pressed powder makes my skin look radiant and absolutely flawless. When I first received this product, I thought there was no way I could use this alone as a foundation..I was absolutely wrong! This covers blemishes, hides redness and gives your face a beautiful natural glow, while still feeling incredibly light weight! It feels like you’re hardly wearing any make up! For summer months, this is just amazing.

I also used this over a tinted moisturizer, and the results also came out flawless! I loved it! You can play around with this and use it either alone or in combination with light weight foundations or any kind of foundation, and get amazing results!

Pressed Blush in “Naughty”

This is a powder based blush that comes in a convenient packaging that can easily be used on the go or thrown into your purse for easy access.

What Motives says:

“Breathe new life into your cheeks with this long lasting, smooth blending and high color blush while minimizing the look of imperfections and visible pores. The Motives Pressed Blush has a soft and luxurious texture that can be worn by all skin types, helping skin look renewed, naturally healthy and flawless. The Motives Pressed Blush instantly erases the look of imperfections and visible pores, ensuring that your skin looks smooth and polished.”

What I say:

These blushes are definitely some of the best blushes I have ever used. I have really sensitive, acne prone skin, so I can’t use just any blush on my face. I usually am very faithful to Chanel blushes, because I feel they don’t break me out and glide on ultra smooth and are give me a nice, buildable color. After trying Motives blushes, I am officially unfaithful!

These blushes go on silky smooth and make your skin feel great. They definitely minimize pores and imperfections. They are very pigmented and you get a lot for your money with these blushes. I now reach for this almost everyday, unless I am not wearing make up that day. The colors are gorgeous and they feel and look beautiful.

Pressed Bronzer in “Miami Glow”

Motives makes 2 bronzers that will suit ALL skin types, to give a healthy, summer glow to all!

What Motives says:

“With a soft and silky feel, the Motives Pressed Bronzer provides a radiant summer glow during any season or can be used to provide definition to enhance facial features. This excellent formula allows for flawless application, and is great for all skin types and colors.”

What I say:

Putting this on will make you glow with such a natural looking color that makes you look like you just got back from the Bahamas! The great thing about these bronzers is that you can build it to your liking very quickly and easily. You can add more or less to suit your needs. A lot of bronzers sometimes go on too dark and it isn’t too easily to blend out to get the color of your preference, not with Motives!

These, like the pressed powders are again silky smooth! The texture is great and the colors last ALL DAY! I can put it on at 9am for work, and it will still be on at 7:30 when I am getting home, talk about great! Not to mention, if you put on just a dab, it looks so natural looking!

Dual Perfection Pressed Powder in “Neutral Rose”

This is a creamy and smooth powder that can be used as a foundation or as a finishing powder on top of foundation for a beautiful finish.

What motives says:

“Luxurious long wear formula with a creamy, soft feel and smooth even application that will leave your skin looking natural, renewed, even and flawless. The Motives Dual Perfection Powder can be used dry as a classic powder foundation or can be used wet as a liquid foundation, either way it will give you the coverage you need in a soft-silky formula designed to provide superior, smooth and even coverage.”

What I say:

WOW! This powder is extremely soft with a nice creamy feel that is not too heavy or overpowering. It feels luxurious on the skin and evens out the skin instantly. I use this over my regular foundation to conceal my zits and imperfections, and it does a great job! I even used this once as my foundation, and my skin looked even, healthy and fresh. I love this powder! They also have a shade for everyone!

You can use this wet or dry for added convenience! I love products that allow you to do that, this is such a fantastic product!

Timeless Prescription Anti Blemish Lotion

This is an overnight spot treatment that creates miracles!

What motives says:

“Timeless Prescription® Anti-Blemish Lotion is an excellent overnight spot treatment for pimples. Timeless Prescription Anti-Blemish contains active ingredients, such as calamine and salicylic acid to calm reddened skin and reduce swelling associated with acne.”

What I say:

This product is simply a miracle! I had this huge, red zit on the top of my nose that was embarrassing and I just had to get rid of it. Everything else I was trying to do to it, just made it more irritated, until I used this!

I rubbed some of it on my zit before I went to bed, and by the time I woke up in the morning (about 8 hours later), it looked drastically different. The redness was barely there and the swelling went down a lot! It was barely noticeable when I put some concealer on it. I was no longer embarrassed at the office, and didn’t feel like everyone was staring at my red zit! I also use this for some of my forehead acne, which is less severe, and this really does the trick!

No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray

A lightweight mist that sets your make up and is essential for oily skin!

What motives says:

“Say goodbye to shine with Motives revolutionary No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray. This innovative, weightless mist contains an oil control system that absorbs excess oil and controls surface shine, so anyone with oily skin can now have perfect looking makeup for hours on end. By cooling down your makeup surface by 20°F, it stops it from sliding and meltdown without excessive drying so you get a matte look for up to 16 hours. Works great with 10 Years Younger Setting Spray.”

What I say:

This product is absolutely essential for oily skin. I too have terrible combination skin and my make up sweats off and my face was always extremely oily and my face would look greasy after just a few hours of doing things in the summer months. Not attractive! I started using this and it not only sets your make up, and helps it stay on for hours, but it also absorbs the oil in your skin, making your skin look great when it is hot in the summer months or even any season!

This product is extremely lightweight and scentless! SCORE! It comes in a convenient spray bottle for super easy, stressless usage. For those of you who like your make-up to stay put ALL day or those of you with oily skin, definitely give this product a try. You won’t regret it!

Overall:

Loren Ridinger’s line of Motives is a hit. They are quality products and they have something for everyone. They have quality products to suit any budget!

Swatches from left to right:

Questions/Pricing:

• Photo Finish Pressed Powder, $24.50
• Pressed Blush, $13.50
• Pressed Bronzer, $21.00
• Dual Perfection Pressed Powder, $25.00
• Timeless Prescription Anti-Blemish Lotion, $19.95
• No More Shine Makeup Setting Spray, $29.00

If you have any questions regarding the line, I strongly suggest e-mailing Lori Carden. She is a representative of Motives and is extremely knowledgeable of the line and is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. She will answer any questions you have in detail and she will even suggest products she think will work for you. LoriCarden@rocketmail.com.

You can visit the Motives website to purchase:

www.motives-makeup.com

Until next time, stay fabulous!
-L

Here in New York, it’s hot outside! As it is probably in most of the U.S., and what I hate most is having a heavy moisturizer that weighs my skin down and feels like it’s just too much. I actually don’t even like wearing a bunch of make-up in the summer unless it is definitely necessary. Origins has an amazing product that just works wonders! Their “VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-boosting Moisturizer.”

The first time I used this product was when I was (as usual) running late to an appointment and had to be out of the house in literally 3 minutes..I just hate when I do that to myself. Anyway, I had to make myself look neat and put together with a slot of 3 minutes to put my make-up on, yikes!

Upon first applying, I noticed the moisturizer sinks right into your skin and fits your skin tone right away, I almost couldn’t believe my eyes! It actually helped out evening my skin-tone and covered some of my blemishes, yes, you heard right! It was a multi-purpose, miracle in a bottle! Also, to make it even more fabulous, it really made my face glowy and looked like I had a restful (which I didn’t) night’s sleep! Score!

You can wear this product alone for a light tinted-moisturizer effect or you can put your regular foundation over it, it just depends on the level of coverage you like. I use it alone most of the time, sometimes and I throw a little bit of pressed powder over it when I have to go to work. It really is just excellent!

Don’t walk, RUN to get this!

Availability/Pricing

This can be purchased online at Macy’s, Origins, Beauty.com for $35.00 for 1.7 oz.

Until next time, stay fabulous!

Who doesn’t love a lipgloss that can last all day or at least for the majority of the day? I know for sure I do! Having to re-apply lip gloss every couple of hours isn’t something I really like to do to be honest. I like to put my make up on in the morning and that’s it! I’m far too busy the rest of the day to keep touching up. I’ve found a foundation and a blush solution to that, now, I’ve found a lip gloss, actually TWO lip glosses that can do the same! They will last you all throughout the day and even with meals.

This review is on Laura Geller’s “Lip Stay” and CoverGirl “Outlast” (Their new formula) .
The colors I’ve chosen for Laura Geller is “Pout,” and for CoverGirl “593 Nude Chair.”

Packaging

This was a big factor for me. I love packaging and when something is very easy to use. Laura Geller was the lip color on one side and the lip gloss on the other. Very convenient! I use a wristlet not a huge bag and just carry the essentials in there. It was nice to have one thing I could just take out and apply with. I’ll post pictures below so you can all see.

CoverGirl had a lip gloss and a moisturizer/balm separate. Is this a big deal? I mean for some, probably not. But for me, I found the overall packaging wasn’t as convenient as Laura Geller’s. I like to carry only a few things, as my wristlet size is limited; and putting the lip gloss AND the moisturizer in my wristlet, on top of my keys, credit cards and cell phone, made my wristlet impossible to zipper! Maybe for some who carry a big purse and not just a wristlet, this will not be an issue; but for someone looking for something more compact and convenient, I’d say Laura Geller won this one.

Scent

Usually, I won’t make a separate section for scents but I just had to comment on how Laura Geller had NO scent whatsoever. I mean, none at all, and I was definitely pleased! CoverGirl did have a scent, but it was a light scent, maybe a light vanilla scent. This probably won’t bother too many people, but for me I prefer scentless.

Product & Longevity

Upon first applying CoverGirl I noticed that it goes on and feels very dry. Without the moisturizer, my lips looked super dry and cakey. It also didn’t go on evenly, I had to go over it a few times. The positive I do have to say, aside from it looking dry without applying a ton of moisturizer; it did stay all day long. From the morning when I applied, to 3 meals later and then further on when I was going to bed.

Laura Geller went on my lips slick and smooth. It went on and my lips looked moisturized before even putting on the gloss! I received compliments at night for the color and how fresh and natural my lips looked, when I put on the gloss in the morning! A little bit of the lip color did the trick and I’ve been using it for a couple of months now and still have tons left! Very pleased with this purchase.

Overall

Overall, I’d say Laura Geller’s “Lip Stay” is the way to go. In my opinion, the packaging is very convenient and compact, the product is excellent and you really get tons of product for your dollar.

CoverGirl was definitely not bad. Aside from the initial dryness and having to apply quite a bit of moisturizer, it will last you all day, however I was not too pleased about the inconvenient packaging.

Laura Geller’s “Lip Stay” retails for about $14.50 whereas CoverGirl retails for $9.99, for the extra $4.50 you’re really getting amazing quality that is worth it in the long run. Ladies, you deserve it!

Swatches/Photos

Left: Laura Geller in “Pout”
Right: CoverGirl in “Nude Chair”

CoverGirl’s Outlast

Laura Geller’s Lip Stay

Availability

Laura Geller can be purchased at QVC, Amazon, and Macy’s. CoverGirl can be purchased at your local Target and nearest drugstores.

Until next time, stay fabulous!

For you oily-skinned gals that have the same problem as I do with finding a facial exfoliator that is oil-free and gentle.. there is hope!

Lancome has a product from the Pure Focus line “Deep Pore Refining Scrub with Purifying Micro-Beads”! This product is definitely a must-have! According to Lancome, it’s designed to “deeply clean, sweeping away excess oils and dulling impurities that may cause imperfections or clog pores. Skin is shine-free, smooth and clean.” I must say it did just that! It was gentle and after just one use, my face felt super smooth and squeaky clean. It does have a nice fresh scent. You all know I am not a fan of smells and scents on products, but this is a yummy, subtle, fresh scent!

What I love about this product is it is just perfect for combination and oily skin. It does not dry you out whatsoever and it takes away shine on the T-zones. So many times I’ll use an exfoliator or scrub and it will work great, but my skin will be totally dried out. I don’t like that at all! But..not with Lancome Pure Focus!

Recommended Usage

According to Lancome, “Use two to three times per week. Massage over wet face and throat. Rinse with warm water. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, flush with water. Follow with your Pure Focus moisturizer for matte, healthy-looking skin.”

I use this product one to two times a week, and it does the trick for me. For those with more oily skin, use it more frequently. For those with less oily skin, use less.

My regimen is, I’ll use my gentle cleanser, use Pure Focus, then put on my moisturizer. LOVE IT!

Pricing and Availability

Lancome’s Pure Focus Deep Pore Refining Scrub can be purchased at Macy’s, Sephora or Lancome directly for $25.00 for the 3.4oz tube.

Until next time, stay fabulous!

As you all know, it’s summer time! Which for me, means less make-up and bronzer/natural glow make-up that wont cake on and make me feel heavy. Laura Geller’s “Blush-N-Brighten” in Honey Dipped REALLY does the trick for a beautiful natural glow that can be used for all skin types and shades that can be used in the summer or all year round.

Packaging

Laura Geller nailed this one. It comes in a beautiful compact that opens and closes effortlessly (pictures will be displayed below.) There is also a mirror, which I personally LOVE when a blush/bronzer comes with a mirror because it makes it so much easier to apply if you’re on the go or in a hurry.

Color Pigmentation/Longevity

Upon opening the compact, I thought to myself (being the fair-skinned gal I am) “Great. Another color that is just simply too dark for me and will make my face look dirty instead of glowy.” Boy, was I wrong! It is very buildable. You can put on as much or as little as you need. For a fair skinned person, be careful, a little will do the trick and make you glow, and it will be very natural. I also think it would suit someone medium to dark skinned also, they could just apply as needed for a nice sheer glow.

As far as the longevity factor, I was definitely surprised. I put it on in the morning, I went out all day, visited some family, ran some errands, and at the end of the day (probably 8 to 9 hours later) there was STILL some on my face. I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I didn’t even have to touch-up midday,which I usually do!

Swatches/Pictures

Left: Swatch of Honey Dipped prior to blending. I did put on quite a bit so you can get an idea of the color.

Right: Swatch of Honey Dipped blended. You can blend more or less according to what you like.

Pricing/Availability

The Honey Dipped retails for $29.50 and it can be purchased on QVC or Amazon.com.

Until next time, stay fabulous!

To me, there is (almost) nothing more embarrassing than going on a first date, job interview, dinner party, speech etc. and realizing the night before, or even the morning of that you have a huge zit on your face! Wouldn’t you agree? I mean, one of the first things people notice about you is your face. Don’t you want it to be completely zit and blemish free? I’m sure most of you would answer yes to this! Recently I tried Skinceuticals’ clarifying clay masque and I was extremely happy with the results.

I am an unfortunate sufferer of acne, hormonal acne to be exact. There really isn’t much I can do about it. I have seen dermatologist after dermatologist, tried using everything under the sun, from drug store brands to prescriptions, and this has given me some of the absolute best results as far as cleansing and helping to clear my acne. Upon first use, my face felt ridiculously clean and I could notice my acne getting better ALREADY!

Scent/Texture

There was close to no scent, which I personally really like. Others like when there is a scent, but since my skin is so sensitive and acne-prone, I think it is probably best there wasn’t much scent as a lot of heavy fragrance can irritate the pores. The texture was silky smooth, and you only need to put on a little, and it goes a long way, which is good for you and your wallet!

Recommended Usage

According to Skinceuticals,”After cleansing and toning, apply a thin layer to the face, neck, and chest avoiding the eye and lip area. Set for 10-15 minutes (will not dry hard). Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Use once weekly to help remove buildup of exfoliated skin twice weekly for congested skin.”

I personally use it once a week. I think more than that would be too much, since I have very sensitive skin. Someone with less sensitive skin can probably get away with using it twice.

Pricing

This can be purchased at skinceuticals.com for $46.00. This may sound like a bit much to some of you, but trust me, one jar can last you 3-4 months depending on your usage. It is totally worth it!

Okay..so..for starters, the name is confusing. You’re probably wondering, what the hell is it? Is it a balm? A lip color? Chubby stick? The correct answer would be, all of the above! My amazing relationship with these lovely creatures started when I was browsing Macys.com on the lipstick section, I spotted these and my first thought was, “Oh my god! It looks like a fat crayon!” I then read some reviews before deciding, I HAVE to try them! And that is when our relationship started..

Packaging

As you all know or may not know, Clinique is famous for their beautiful light green colored boxes. This one was no disappointment. It was in a beautiful light green box with flowers, I wish I would have saved the box so you all could’ve seen it. Shame on me!

The product itself is in a really cute container with a really easy and convenient twister at the bottom, making it easy for you to choose how much product you want! I must say, I was pleased!

Color Pigmentation/Longevity

Now as I stated before, this is moisturizing, lip colour balm! This is the best of both worlds, or should I say 3 worlds? Ah, guess that wouldn’t make too much sense. But anyways, upon applying these, I was definitely taken back. I was expecting a lip balm with slight color, and I would’ve still been happy.

What I did get, was a beautifully sheer, but easy to build, SUPER moist lip color. WOW! This is a product I have been waiting for! I am very fair skinned, so for me, it’s hard to find a lipstick that doesn’t make it look like it was more or less painted on my lips while STILL being moisturizing! These really did the trick!

As far as longevity, these lasted on my lips for about 4 hours without re-applying AND with having a meal. Can we say happy? I think so! I was very happy with the longevity, I could’ve probably went longer without re-applying if it wasn’t for the meal.

Prices/Where to buy

Clinique’s Chubby Sticks can be purchased online or at your local Clinique, Macy’s or Sephora. These retail for about $15.00 each, which I really consider worth it considering the amount of product and overall value!

Until next time, stay fabulous!

I love me a good, full-coverage foundation. I sometimes break out and have the occasional redness. Sometimes a sheer foundation doesn’t cut it for me. When those times happen, Laura Mercier never fails to let me walk around with skin discoloration and massive zits!

The packaging was great. It comes in a tub. Personally, I prefer tub foundations because I feel it is really easy to get more usage out of it. Sometimes with the tubs, it can be a fight trying to get the last bit of the product out. Laura Mercier did good in the packaging department.

Upon application, I couldn’t get over the smoothness and how excellent the texture was. It really felt almost as if I was putting pure silk on my skin. It didn’t break me out and there was no harsh smell. The foundation does stay fairly well, but not a full 8 hours without pressed powder or some sort of make-up setter. I would definitely recommend this for people who suffer from skin discoloration and who have acne prone skin and have trouble hiding it, or for people who just simply like a nice, creamy full-coverage foundation.

Swatches and Pictures

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation in “Warm Ivory”

Pricing and Availability

Laura Mercier’s products can be purchased at Sephora, Laura Mercier and Amazon.com

Until next time, stay fabulous!

So as you all probably know, I am OBSESSED with achieving a sexy, yet subtle summer glow. I went to Sephora the other day and the girl who was there was absolutely beautiful. I mean, she looked like a model and she had her make up done perfectly. To my surprise she looked about my skin tone, so I asked her what she was wearing, and low and behold she took me over to Stila and told me she was wearing their sun bronzing powder in shade 01.

At first, I was a bit hesitant because there were only 2 shades to suit ALL skin tones. Really?! I thought there was no way possible this could be true!

I was proved wrong. The color suited me great. The color looks is a bit more pigmented than I expected, so I had to be very mindful of how much I applied and how I applied. Overall, it is great and 2 shades is all it takes to get the job done with Stila. Added bonus? IT CONTAINS SPF 15! A bit excited, yes. My skin burns like you wouldn’t believe, so a bronzer with an SPF is definitely a must-keep!

Longevity

As I stated earlier, the color was more pigmented than I was expecting, which I was happy about. What I was also happy about was the longevity. It did last a full 8 hour work day, which makes me happy. The less time I spend in front of the mirror, the better!

Swatches/Pictures

Left: Before swatching, trying to give you a good idea of the color.
Right: After swatching, you can blend as needed.

Pricing and Availability

Stila cosmetics can be purchased at your local Macy’s or Sephora.

Until next time, stay fabulous!